What do you do if your podcasting equipment is not up to par?

Time for a podcasting equipment makeover! Research and invest in quality microphones, headphones, and recording software like a podcasting pro. If budget's tight, consider renting equipment or looking for second-hand deals. Remember, your equipment is the foundation of your podcasting empire—so make sure it's sturdy and ready to rock those airwaves!

As per all project management, define your target, then work out how to get there. Be realistic about timeline and budget. "Everything is possible, it's just a question of time and money".

You can always complain about your equipment not being up to par! Because there's always something more expensive and better than what you have. Understand what kind of content and format you are going for. The device you're reading this on is a fantastic tool that can do everything for your podcast.

If your podcasting equipment is lackluster, get resourceful. Research quality yet affordable upgrades like mics or filters that fit your budget. Creatively optimize your current setup through smart mic placement and audio editing. Explore renting studio time. With some diligence and experimentation, you can elevate your show's production value meaningfully, even on a modest budget.

Your core needs to record a podcast should be understood as the most boiled-down version of whatever million-dollar idea of a podcast studio is. Those needs are a clean recording environment, a microphone, recording software, a computer, and headphones. Additional granular items are up for discussion, but these are still the core items. You need a microphone plugged into a computer that can record on a website, and you can hear your guest with your headphones (which avoids bleeding). From there, you work your way up when you can! For example, "My environment is good, but there is still a touch of extra echo..." Cool! Could you add some acoustic treatment? Once you have the essentials, you can shape your set-up more granularly.

Don't get too hung up on the latest 'must have'. I firmly believe that if you can't get it right with an SM57 you won't be able to do any better with anything else.

My number one advice to anyone who wants to improve their audio is to consider their environment; consider this well before looking at microphones and software. If you're wondering how to improve your audio and notice you're recording in a boardroom, for example, I suggest going to a room that's softer—not as loud—and smaller. I'm speaking in extremes here, but the principle should make sense: It's much better to record in a closet full of coats than in a garage. There is more absorption in a closet and less room for your audio to bounce off.

Many perceived shortcomings in equipment are actually caused by an improper recording environment. Be very careful to listen for reverberation, noise (both obvious and less obvious noise like the hum of an air conditioner through the vents) and treat the room accordingly. Acoustic foam squares and smartly placed furniture can be all a room needs to deliver its best quality sound. A properly treated room with modest to moderate equipment will outperform an untreated room with high-end equipment every time.

Seriously, egg cartons don't work. Billy Eilish recorded her first album under a duvet. Work with you've got. And I have to make this up to 125 characters...

Use what you're comfortable with. To use a racing analogy, 'to finish first, first you have to finish'. If you're spending more time working out how to do it than actually doing it, you're not being productive.

Consider renting studio space instead of investing in ownership. Studio spaces will be sound treated and the equipment will be optimized to suit the space. This can be more economical in the long run because you aren't shouldering the cost of upgrading or changing equipment when your needs change. If you go from a solo show to having guests it can be easier to accommodate in a studio than to purchase additional equipment that is rarely used.

I couldn't agree more with Sarah, if you don't need to own it, rent it when you need it, there are plenty of providers out there.

Contact a local professional and hope they are willing to share wisdom. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….